A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky Wildcats News Stream 4.23.2014Online Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2014-04-23T18:20:40-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/54080292014-04-23T18:20:40-04:002014-04-23T18:20:40-04:00Coach Cal's New Book #3 on NYT Best-Sellers List
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<p>Word has come down from CoachCal.com on Twitter that John Calipari's new book, <em>Players First: Coaching from the Inside Out</em> is debuting at #3 on the New York Times Best-Sellers List. That's a pretty impressive debut for Calipari's latest effort. Here's the tweet:</p>
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<p>Just got word that <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari">@UKCoachCalipari</a>'s new book, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PlayersFirst&src=hash">#PlayersFirst</a>, makes its debut on the New York Times Best-Seller list at No. 3.</p>
— CoachCal.com (@CoachCalDotCom) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCalDotCom/statuses/459079008227835904">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>If you expected to wait for a reaction from the man himself, prepare to be disapppointed. On the heels of that announcement:</p>
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<p>Humbled and honored to hear <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PlayersFirst&src=hash">#PlayersFirst</a> will be No. 3 on the New York Times Best-Seller list.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459092061652660225">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>It just goes to show you the power of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BBN&src=hash">#BBN</a> and how spot-on Scott Moyers of Penguin’s vision was when he approached me about the book.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459092341375004672">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Scott and David Black, my literary agent, sat me down and recommended that I do it with <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelsokolove">@michaelsokolove</a>, which was an absolute home run.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459092574330839040">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/michaelsokolove">@michaelsokolove</a> is not only a great writer, he’s a true professional and someone I now call my friend.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459093136841535488">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Again, thank you to everyone who has helped with the book. The goal of all of this was to share my vision of making this about the players.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459093415553024000">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Congratulations to Coach Cal and his connections on the very impressive debut of his latest effort. I'm sure I'll be purchasing a copy at some point.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5645288/kentucky-basketball-john-caliparis-new-book-debuts-at-3-on-the-newGlenn Logan2014-04-23T16:41:41-04:002014-04-23T16:41:41-04:00Dakari's Coming Back, Too!
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<p>Kentucky's front line was already going to be huge next season. Now, it's going to be Leviathan.</p> <p>It's another busy day of breaking news. On the heels of <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/22/5640578/kentucky-basketball-julius-randle-makes-his-nba-intentions-official/in/5404549" target="_blank">Julius Randle's announcement yesterday</a> to move on up to the NBA, and <span>Alex Poythress</span>' <a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5643886/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-alex-poythress-to-return-for-his-junior" target="_blank">announcement today</a> that he'll be returning for his junior season, comes now Dakari Johnson to make official what we had mostly speculated: Johnson will return to Kentucky for this sophomore season. This is from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2014/04/23/dakari-johnson-also-coming-back-form-lenghty-kentucky-frontcourt/8061251/">Kyle Tucker of the Louisville Courier-Journal</a>:</p>
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<p>The University of Kentucky will have the biggest team in college basketball next season, if not ever. Seven-footer Dakari Johnson solidified that Wednesday with his announcement that he'll wait on the NBA and return to school for his sophomore year.</p>
<p>His decision, along with forward Alex Poythress' announcement earlier in the day that he'll return for his junior season, means the Wildcats will have seven players 6-foot-8 or taller, six of whom are former top-40 recruits, five of them McDonald's All-Americans and three skilled 7-footers.</p>
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<p>Of course, this is great news for Kentucky fans, and the front line of the Wildcats' squad next year will sport five players at 6'10" or taller. That's an unbelievable number of big guys, and how John Calipari purports to find them all playing time is anybody's guess. But as they say, that's a nice problem to have.</p>
<p>All that remains now is the decision of Aaron and <span>Andrew Harrison</span>, and their call is going to be crucial. If they return, look for Kentucky to rocket to #1 in most pre-season polls with a team that, quite frankly, none of us could have even dared hope for at the beginning of last season. As powerful as last season's squad looked on paper, this one <strong>could</strong> wind up looking quite a bit more so.</p>
<p>On paper. We'll see.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042314aag.html">Here is the UK official release at UKAthletics.com, and a quote from Johnson</a>:</p>
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<p>"After looking at the information provided to me by Coach Cal and the NBA committee, my family and I made the decision for me to return to UK for my sophomore year," Johnson said. "Returning to school allows me to build on my leadership skills, improve my individual basketball strength and conditioning skills, and have another opportunity to accomplish one of my individual goals: winning an NCAA national championship in college."</p>
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<h4 target="_blank" id="a-few-tweets-of-interest">A few tweets of interest:</h4>
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<p>So UK will have seven guys 6-8 or taller, six top-40 recruits, five McDonald's All-Americans, three skilled 7-footers in the frontcourt.</p>
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/KyleTucker_CJ/statuses/459059869564538882">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Johnson, in a statement: "Big Blue Nation, I can’t thank you enough for your support, and I look forward to representing UK next year."</p>
— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/UKAthletics/statuses/459060051073044480">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p><span>Dakari Johnson's</span> lengthy statement announcing his return to UK ends with ... "<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23StriveforNine&src=hash">#StriveforNine</a>"</p>
— Ben Roberts (@NextCats) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NextCats/statuses/459060151538839552">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Dakari Johnson returning to Kentucky. Wildcats' frontcourt loaded.. Awaiting a backcourt. Harrisons, your call</p>
— Dana O'Neil (@ESPNDanaOneil) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ESPNDanaOneil/statuses/459060558105681920">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>After Alex Poythress made a wise decision, Dakari Johnson made a wise decision.</p>
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/johnclayiv/statuses/459061061316923393">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>One announcement left. UK will either have 7 or 9 McD's All-Americans next season. Also <span>Willie Cauley-Stein</span>, <span>Derek Willis</span>, <span>Dominique Hawkins</span></p>
— Ben Roberts (@NextCats) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NextCats/statuses/459061346038870016">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Kentucky will have 5 projected NBA picks in the frontcourt next year: WCS, Johnson, Poythress, Towns, Lyles, plus Lee and Willis. Loaded.</p>
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/statuses/459061972852817920">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Dakari Johnson smartly decides to return to Kentucky for his sophomore season. What a frontcourt! Might have to elevate Cats to No. 1.</p>
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/statuses/459062050463830017">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson, Karl Towns, Trey Lyles, <span>Marcus Lee</span>, Alex Poythress. Someone isn't gonna be very happy next year.</p>
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/statuses/459061650516377601">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Despite being the youngest player on the team this year, he continued to improve every day on the court and it showed.</p>
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/UKCoachCalipari/statuses/459062429880573953">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Keep in mind that Dakari moved up a grade so he could get to UK early. The big guy won't be 19 years old until September.</p>
— Ben Roberts (@NextCats) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NextCats/statuses/459063470395121664">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Guys leave Kentucky that aren't ready & people complain, guys that would be ifs & stay people complain. Yes they have depth & competition</p>
— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/SethOnHoops/statuses/459064870877814784">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Doug Gottlieb will probably move Kentucky up to No. 11 in his preseason rankings for 2014-15.</p>
— Anthony Wireman (@awireman) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/awireman/statuses/459065691761815553">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Yes, you RT <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN">@GoodmanESPN</a>: Cauley-Stein, Dakari, Karl Towns, Trey Lyles, <span>Marcus Lee</span>, Poythress. Someone isn't gonna be very happy next year.</p>
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/statuses/459066855416950784">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>And finally, Mark Ennis, concern-trolls the Big Blue Nation:</p>
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<p>It's reasonable for Kentucky fans to be pumped, but, isn't this just a little bit like having three good QBs? You just cant play them all.</p>
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MarkEnnis/statuses/459066770796457984">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Hah. You might be surprised.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5644904/kentucky-basketball-dakari-johnson-announces-his-intention-to-returnGlenn Logan2014-04-23T13:38:52-04:002014-04-23T13:38:52-04:00KSR Talks To Julius Randle
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<p><span>Julius Randle</span> is clearly pretty happy at finally having put the NBA decision behind him. I find it interesting that Randle pointed out that his sort-of main foe while he was playing in AAU was <span>Jabari Parker</span> rather than <span>Andrew Wiggins</span>. He also mentioned that he figured out early in his senior season that he wanted to come to Kentucky, and he pretty much told Coach Cal that back then.</p>
<p>Randle also uses the "players first" appellation to describe the program, which I think is pretty cool, and he reiterated that he and the Harrison twins were always cool off the court, but were really competitive on the court. He assumed that is what created the notion that the Harrisons and he were rivals and didn't really like each other. I've heard this before, of course, but this time it was substantially more convincing.</p>
<p>I also love the fact that he takes the "student" part of "student-athlete" seriously.</p>
<p>Anyway, listen to all of Julius' comments to Matt Jones of KSR below. I think you'll find it worth your time.</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5644164/kentucky-basketball-kentucky-sports-radio-interviews-julius-randleGlenn Logan2014-04-23T13:19:34-04:002014-04-23T13:19:34-04:00Wide Receiver Takes Another Hit
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<p>And the hits just keep on coming from the wide receiver position. Today, after practice, Coach Mark Stoops intimated after reporters noticed the absence of A. J. Legree, that he has left the program. <a target="_blank" href="http://ukfootball.bloginky.com/2014/04/23/stoops-eliot-after-wednesday-practice/">Jen Smith at the Herald-Leader has details on her blog</a>:</p>
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<p><strong>On A.J. Legree not being at practice after it sounded like he was one of their only healthy receivers Monday:</strong> "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I guess he’s wrapped it up. So, he’s gonna quit and go play somewhere else. So we wish him the best of luck."</p>
<p><strong>On if it’s frustrating because WR is a position where they need bodies:</strong> "We’ll be fine. We’ll be fine. We’ll be fine. (Laughs) I want the guys that want to be here. Not worried about any of that."</p>
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<p>Also, bad news for Jeff Badet:</p>
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<b>On Jeff Badet:</b> "Yeah, he’s gonna be out. He got hurt the other day, Monday. He got hurt in Monday’s practice. He was alone. It was a good play-action pass; he was wide-open. He kind of got underthrown and just a freaky accident. It looked like on film his own knee came down on his ankle and he broke a bone in his — he broke his fibular. So he’s gonna be out another two, three months. Clean break. Nothing — no surgery, anything like that. So he’ll be fine. Just needs to rest up."</blockquote>
<p>Broken fibula. Aaaargghh!</p>
<p>On the plus side, more plaudits for Patrick Towles:</p>
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<p><strong>On who has made the most of spring:</strong> "Well, I said it earlier: I thought Patrick really did a nice job. I thought he did a very good job through his redshirt year. He really improved. And he’s done a nice job throughout spring. So I’ve been pleased with his progress. He’s not perfect, and we don’t expect him to be yet, but he’s really improved a great deal."</p>
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<p>This is good news for the football program. We really needed Towles to step up and compete, and it's exciting to me that he may be closer than anyone else to claiming the job this season. That doesn't necessarily mean a redshirt year for Drew Barker, but it could, and I think that's a very good thing. Barker probably needs a year to mature, and he seems to be ready if that's how it winds up.</p>
<p>You have to love these Kentucky kids and their dedication, it is inspiring to see what Towles has struggled with, and yet he just keeps hanging in there, working hard, and getting better.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5644074/kentucky-football-a-j-legree-has-apparently-left-the-teamGlenn Logan2014-04-23T13:04:55-04:002014-04-23T13:04:55-04:00Alex Poythress to Return to Kentucky
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<p>Hold on to your hats BBN. We're going to be good next season.</p> <p><span>Alex Poythress</span> will return to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> for his junior season. Alex was a starter his freshman year under John Calipari and averaged 11.2 points and 6 rebounds per game in 25.8 minutes. After a disappointing end to the 2013 season, Alex returned with <span>Willie Cauley-Stein</span> for his sophomore campaign. Poythress became the sixth man off of the bench in 2014, averaging 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 18.4 minutes.</p>
<p>Alex's role on the team changed his second year as he became the energy guy, making hustle plays on offense and defense. He was vital to the Wildcats amazing run to the national title game. He will join fellow junior Willie Cauley-Stein, sophomores <span>Marcus Lee</span>, <span>Derek Willis</span> and <span>Dominique Hawkins</span>, as well as incoming freshmen Tyler Ulis, Trey Lyles, Karl Anthony Towns and <span>Devin Booker</span> next season on what is shaping up to be a loaded team.</p>
<p>Alex will add more leadership and experience as a third year player that has been through extreme highs and lows. His return also guarantees another stellar front court for the Kentucky Wildcats. Poythress may be asked to add a little more diversity to his game and may very will start at small forward, a position that he is more suited for in the NBA. He will need to develop a more consistent jump shot and better ball handling skills.</p>
<p>This is very exciting news. Alex is a great kid and will eventually make a lot of money in the NBA. Plus, we get to see more of this:</p>
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<p>Here is what Alex had to say about returning, via a UK press release:</p>
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<p><span>Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine, but I want to make sure that I’m NBA-ready before I make that jump," Poythress said. "By coming back, I’ll be so much closer to earning my degree in business and it will give me another year to prepare my game and my body for the next level.</span></p>
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<p>John Calipari on Alex's return:</p>
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<p><span>I’m excited for Alex and the decision he’s arrived at," head coach John Calipari said. "I’m proud of the work he committed to this past season, on and off the floor, and think he’s ready to take that next step and lead this team next season. </span></p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5643886/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-alex-poythress-to-return-for-his-juniorJames Streble2014-04-23T09:06:43-04:002014-04-23T09:06:43-04:00Quickies: Stoops Brothers Edition
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<figcaption>Mike and Bob Stoops are in town today. | Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>News and commentary from around the Big Blue Internet. Julius Randle declares for NBA draft. Bat Cats defeat Tennessee Tech in barn-burner. Softball defeats Western Kentucky in Bowling Green. More.</p> <p>Brothers Bob and Mike visit Mark Stoops today, and Bob is even wearing UK gear:</p>
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<p>Mike and Bob Stoops are at UK's practice today. And Bob is wearing UK gear. <a href="http://t.co/cJ1LcCygiF" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/cJ1LcCygiF</a></p>
— Aaron Smith (@ASmithRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASmithRivals/statuses/458953206530191360" target="_blank">April 23, 2014</a>
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<p>Tweet of the Morning</p>
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<p>Since Calipari became head coach at Kentucky, he's had 10 freshman drafted. That's 7 more than any other school. All 10 were first rounders.</p>
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/458676733336895488" target="_blank">April 22, 2014</a>
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<p>If he keeps this up, John Calipari could become known as the greatest recruiter in the history of college basketball.</p>
<h4 id="your-quickies" target="_blank">Your Quickies:</h4>
<h5 id="kentucky-football" target="_blank">Kentucky football</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck" target="_blank">
<p>Mark Stoops and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UK&src=hash" target="_blank">#UK</a> land highest commit yet in Nation's No. 110 and 4-star LB Eli Brown - pledges to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cats&src=hash" target="_blank">#Cats</a> ($) <a href="http://t.co/XAuN39QT4y" target="_blank">http://t.co/XAuN39QT4y</a></p>
— Rivals.com (@Rivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rivals/statuses/458629345230487552" target="_blank">April 22, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" target="_blank"></script><p> </p>
</li>
<li>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck" target="_blank">
<p>UK is opening Spring Practice to the media today. We are here, as is Bob Stoops</p>
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/statuses/458949752064077824" target="_blank">April 23, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" target="_blank"></script><p> </p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="kentucky-basketball" target="_blank">Kentucky basketball</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2014/04/22/4975920/randle-is-leaving-but-he-says.html" target="_blank">Jerry Tipton's article on Julius Randle's leave-taking</a>. Nice, non-judgmental news piece.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Three reasons <span>Julius Randle</span> is ready for the NBA:</p>
<p>
<script height="371px" width="660px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=ZsNnNkbTrElq8IvpCgnkaAlOKpVIcIJV&pbid=eb3c76324107460599b10db3d4feefad" target="_blank"></script></p>
<p>Cute.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://ukrecruiting.bloginky.com/2014/04/23/2015-recruit-says-he-has-an-offer-from-kentucky/" target="_blank">Jaylen Brown, who just got an in-home visit from Kenny Payne on Monday</a>, now says he has a scholarship offer.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://ukrecruiting.bloginky.com/2014/04/23/calipari-visited-2016-star-harry-giles-on-tuesday/" target="_blank">John Calipari visited 2016 star guard Harry Giles</a> on Tuesday. Looks like he's in a battle with the Research Triangle boys over this one.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/4/22/5639266/willie-cauley-stein-is-riding-a-hoveround-at-kentucky" target="_blank">Willie Cauley-Stein showing us how a Hoveround is driven</a>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2014/4/22/5638358/myles-turner-recruiting-smu-kansas-texas" target="_blank">Where does Miles Turner fit in best</a>? Probably not at UK, considering how crowded the front court is.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/4/22/5640466/nba-draft-2014-julius-randle-stock" target="_blank">Ricky O'Donnell looks at Julius Randle's prospects</a> at the next level.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="other-kentucky-sports" target="_blank">Other Kentucky sports</h5>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://kykernel.com/2014/04/23/baseball-tops-tennessee-tech-in-shootout/" target="_blank">Bat Cats defeat Tennessee Tech</a> in a shootout, 15-13.<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/w-softbl/recaps/042214aaa.html">Softball defeats Western Kentucky</a> on the road.</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="links-posts" target="_blank">Links posts</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.tomleachky.com/theleachreport/wednesdaywildcatlinks109-3148.html" target="_blank">The Leach Report: Wednesday Wildcat Links</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://rushthecourt.net/2014/04/23/morning-five-04-23-14-edition/" target="_blank">Rush The Court: Morning Five</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://johnclay.bloginky.com/2014/04/23/bbl-john-wall-and-wizards-beat-bulls-and-critics/" target="_blank">John Clay's Big Blue Links</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="college-football" target="_blank">College football</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F04%2F22%2Fcollege-football-ncaa-unions-nfl-column%2F8026433%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aseaofblue.com%2F2014%2F4%2F23%2F5643142%2Fkentucky-wildcats-morning-quickies-stoops-brothers-edition" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">USA Today worries that lawsuits will end college football as we know it</a>. Well, if it does, it is exactly what we deserve.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>SEC quarterbacks to watch for:</p>
<p><object width="640" height="480" id="mycbsiplayer_pL5GPUHcDBJs" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://sports.cbsimg.net/swf/video/uvp/skins/Default/latest/Skin.swf" target="_blank"><param name="src" value="http://sports.cbsimg.net/swf/video/uvp/skins/Default/latest/Skin.swf" target="_blank">
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</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="college-basketball" target="_blank">College basketball</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2014/4/22/5639646/tennessee-has-its-coach-let-donnie-be-donnie" target="_blank">Will Shelton at Rocky Top Talk</a> writes about new head basketball coach Donnie Tyndall. I think Tennessee chose wisely. Tyndall his a ball of energy, and if they will be honest with themselves, that's one of the big reasons why Bruce Pearl was such a hit. Yes, Pearl won ballgames, and that, obviously, is the meat around the bones of any coach.</p>
<p>Tyndall enjoys the public eye without wallowing in it, is quote-worthy, and linguistically challenged (pronuncing "Vol" like "vowel" and a discordant use of the word "prideful") and on top of that, has proven himself to be a good college basketball coach. Only three times in eight seasons as a head coach has Tyndall failed to win 20 or more games, and two of them were his first two years on the job. Those are solid numbers.</p>
<p>Shelton asks Volunteer fans to "Let Donnie be Donnie," and not to constantly compare him to Pearl:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Comparisons will fly today, especially the one where he's less like Cuonzo Martin and more like Bruce Pearl. Then we'll rush to compare him to Butch Jones because Butch Jones wasn't Tennessee's first choice either, but also and more importantly because we really like Butch Jones. If he drops a "_____ like heck" in the presser, we've hit the trifecta.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Heh. I really like this hire for Tennessee, even better than Martin. This is a man who will embrace the Volunteer faithful, and bring them some good basketball teams. He may even be great — too early to tell — but his bona fides are strong and his personality is exactly what every team needs in a head coach.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.gloucestertimes.com/cnhinewsservice-all/x360409895/Basketball-stars-may-linger-on-campus-a-while-longer" target="_blank">Everybody's talking about extending the NBA age limit to 20</a>. Everybody, that is, except for the NBA Players Association, who still hasn't picked a new president.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10822813/auburn-opts-not-appeal-bruce-pearl-show-cause-order" target="_blank">Auburn won't try to get Bruce Pearl's show-cause order lifted early</a>. I think that's a good strategy on their part, and Pearl just won a few points in my eyes for accepting his penalty like a man.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10809527/jerry-tarkanian-released-hospital" target="_blank">Jerry Tarkanian is back home</a> after suffering a heart attack. We wish Coach Tarkanian a quick and complete recovery. Coach Cal reportedly called to wish him well.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/98585/should-college-coaches-turn-down-nba" target="_blank">Myron Medcalf, not one of my favorite writers, gets this one exactly right</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Yes, there’s often more green in the NBA.</p>
<p>And there’s a lot of blue for the coaches who make the wrong decisions, too.</p>
<p>Sometimes it’s best to just stick with a good thing. The NBA isn’t always a good thing.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>You know, if a coach really dreams about an NBA stint, he should give it a try. But when he becomes a legend in college, he should appreciate his good fortune, embrace it, and leave the NBA to others. Am I being self-serving? Yes, indeed. But it's good advice, nonetheless.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24510138/college-players-leaving-early-for-the-nba-draft-or-returning-to-school" target="_blank">Latest list of players leaving early for the NBA</a>. There's a bunch of people not leaving mixed in there too, possibly for continuity reasons.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5 id="other-sports-news" target="_blank">Other sports news</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://columbiadailyherald.com/sports/college/ncaa-ruling-meals-really-food-thought" target="_blank">Will colleges use the new NCAA food regulations</a> as an excuse to chop programs? If so, it tells me that they maybe shouldn't be fielding all those teams.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.khou.com/sports/Charges-against-Rockets-F-Jones-dropped-256290391.html" target="_blank">Terrence Jones settles charges</a> that he harassed a homeless man in Portland by agreeing to pay $10,000 to a charity that benefits homeless people. The charges against him have been dropped in return.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/04/22/colin-cowherd-wont-shut-up-about-john-wall/" target="_blank">Contra Rick Bozich, Colin Cowherd doubles down</a> on his <span>John Wall</span> hate, and mocks Bozich in the bargain:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Ooh, and you made the playoffs in the East. Woo-hoo! Don’t forget the Knicks until the last week were fighting for a playoff spot in the East; they fired their entire staff. So listen, when John Wall came out and did the Dougie, first home game, for 34 seconds, he was a moron. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. I will never back down.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Well, needless to say, Cowherd won't be getting much love from the Big Blue Nation over this. Thanks, Colin, for your crass, narcissistic scorn. Perhaps you should change your last name to "Cowpile," it seems a better fit for somebody who spews this sort of bovine excrement.</p>
<p>Via <a href="http://kybasketball.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-post_4637.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FvIcv+%28Aaron%27s+UK+Basketball+Blog%29" target="_blank">Aaron's blog</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/04/22/4858281/game-2-key-for-bobcats-michael.html#.U1ezbt_JCbg" target="_blank">Can Michael Kidd-Gilchrist continue to guard LeBron James</a>?</p>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2014/4/23/5643142/kentucky-wildcats-morning-quickies-stoops-brothers-editionGlenn Logan